China factor discussed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 29 2011: Possibility of Manipur facing the brunt in case there is conflict between India and China came into sharp focus at a one day seminar on 'The Impact of China Factor on India's Global Strategy in the Conflict Situation of the North East Region' held today at Palace Compound Lamyanba Shanglen.

Presenting the keynote address of the seminar organised by The Freedom Research Foundation, chief managing director of the event host RK Ranendrajit envisioned that with India determined to pursue its ambitious Look East Policy and China steadily dominating the global economy a crisis-like situation engulfing the region is imminent in the near future.

In case of conflict between the neighbouring countries, Manipur, due to its location, is certain to be caught in the cross-fire, he expressed while contending that inspite of such a lurking danger development initiative by the Government of Manipur for the North East region, especially Manipur is lagging far behind.

Rather than focusing on development of Manipur the Central Government is trying to disintegrate Manipur, Ranendrajit alleged and made a commitment that similar sessions would be organised to enable all concerned share their views and convey pro-active suggestions.

In his address as the chief guest, Lok Sabha MP Dr Th Meinya said taking into account China's military strategy and reported incursion in some parts of Arunachal Pradesh there is no guarantee that no military showdown will occur between the growing super powers.

With the North Eastern region of India remaining as a frontier there is need for urgency on the part of India to work out a strategy for safeguarding the region, he opined and suggested that human resource development of Manipur should be accorded top priority to tackle all outstanding issues.

Along with development of human resource, scholars will also have to play an important role of chronicling Manipur's history to serve as the guiding principle for the future generation, the MP maintained while regretting that prevailing situation is not conducive for the youths to concentrate on academic activities.

Former Vice Chancellor of Manipur University and MLA Dr Ng Bijoy as guest of honour lamented that people of Manipur while enduring prolonged conflict situation have limited opportunity to hone their skills and divert energy on more purposeful activities which is being demonstrated by the widespread use of cheap imported goods.

Inspite of numerous problems besieging the State and challenges posed to the people education of the upcoming generation should not be neglected, Dr Bijoy cautioned.

As functional president, former Principal of DM College of Science Dr H Dwijasekhar Sharma observed that Manipur is gripped in a vicious cycle of state of confusion could be comprehended from the ongoing peace talks between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) for every effort is being made to successfully complete the Autonomous District Council elections inspite of strong opposition from the rebel group.

Moreover, the process of the ADC elections is an indication that the ongoing talks will not bring an amicable solution to the decades old Naga political problem, he added.

Various resource persons also presented seminar papers during the morning session among whom Politico-Defence Analyst Dr (Retd Lt Col) T Hemo deliberated on 'Strategic Security Relations of India with the Neighbouring Countries with Special Focus to North East india'; Manipur University's Political Science Assistant Prof L Rajen on 'Whither North East India in India-China Race for Global Position'; social activist Dr Dhanabir Laishram on 'Chinese Factor in North East: A Political Economic Perspective'; and Human Rights Alert director Babloo Loitongbam on 'State Terrorism and Violation of Human Rights in the North East Region by Flouting International Law: Why not Plebiscite for Conflict Resolution' .

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